title: An update on belimumab for the treatment of lupus.
abstract: B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS), a homeostatic factor for B-cell differentiation and survival, has a major role in B-cell expansion and autoreactivity that characterize systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Belimumab, a BLyS-specific inhibitor, has shown promising evidence of efficacy in several preclinical and clinical studies in SLE. Two recent large randomized controlled trials yielded a significant positive effect of the drug compared to placebo in patients with active disease. In this review, we discuss basic aspects of B-cell and BLyS biology in SLE and summarize the evidence supporting a role of belimumab in SLE, from animal studies to phase III clinical trials.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA;
authors.forename: Aikaterini
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Thanou-Stavraki
authors.forename: Amr H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Sawalha